Ultrasound transducer

ABSTRACT

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/049,151 filed on Mar. 16, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/393,947 filed on Oct. 18, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present application is related to co-filed, co-pending and co-assigned patent applications:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/049,013 filed on Mar. 16, 2011, titled: “AN ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND USES THEREOF” (attorney docket no. 50522), showing for example, a method for feedback and control of the ultrasonic transducer;

U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/049,022 filed on Mar. 16, 2011 titled: “AN ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND COOLING THEREOF” (attorney docket no. 50523), showing for example, a method for blood flow cooling of the ultrasonic transducer;

U.S. Patent Application No. 61/453,234 filed on Mar. 16, 2011 titled: “SEPARATION DEVICE FOR ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER” (attorney docket no. 50824) by Ariel SVERDLIK and Or SHABTAY, showing for example, a device to prevent the transducer from touching the blood vessel wall; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/453,239 filed on Mar. 16, 2011 titled: “TISSUE TREATMENT” (attorney docket no. 50524) by Ariel SVERDLIK, Iris SZWARCFITER and Or SHABTAY, showing for example, a method of selectively targeting and treating tissues using ultrasound;

the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an ultrasound transducer and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system for delivering ultrasound energy for medical treatment, for example, intravascular treatment. Maguire and Peacock, in EP 1769759 disclose:

“A medical device assembly and method provides an ultrasound transducer (904) mounted onto a delivery member, such as the elongate body (802) of a catheter shaft, without a support structure bridging between a separation area between the transducer and the shaft. Mounting flanges extend from either end of the transducer and are mounted at first and second locations along the catheter shaft such that the transducer is not in mechanical contact with the catheter shaft between those mounting locations to provide for air backing between the transducer and the catheter shaft so as to isolate ultrasound transmission radially away from the catheter shaft and toward the tissue surrounding the shaft. The transducer is substantially “airbacked” when mounted onto a delivery member in accordance with the present invention.” Sverdlik et al, in PCT/IL2008/000234, filed Feb. 21, 2008 disclose: “Described is a method of stabilizing blood vessel wall abnormality. The method includes ultrasonically heating at least a portion of the blood vessel wall having the abnormality; monitoring a parameter related to a property of at least a portion of the heated portion of the blood vessel wall; and stopping the heating when the monitored parameter changes by a predetermined factor or after the monitored parameter changes in a slow enough rate.”

Additional background art includes:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,804

U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,486

U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,929

U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,948

U.S. Pat. No. 7,771,372

US patent application 2008228111

US patent application 2009216246

US patent application 2010091112

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ultrasound transducer for medical therapy comprising an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy. Optionally, the element is coupled to a gas bubble. Alternatively or additionally, the element is suspended, providing for a relatively low damping force during function.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for intrabody medical therapy comprising; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a gas bubble containment area adapted to retain the gas bubble when in blood.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises, a support board that is coupled to the element, wherein the gas bubble is retained in a space between the board and the element. Optionally, at least some surface area of at least the element and the board comprise a coating adapted to retain the bubble to the element. Optionally, the coating comprises parylene. Optionally, the board comprises a depression or an aperture, and the element is positioned over at least some volume of the depression or the aperture.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element is rectangular.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element comprises irregularities on a surface to couple the bubble to the element by increasing an area of the surface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gas comprises selecting from the group consisting of: air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrafluoride.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least two bubbles coupled to a side of the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer comprises a housing, the housing coupled to the board. Optionally, the housing comprises a heat sink thermally coupled to the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises a canopy surrounding the element; and fluid between the element and the canopy. Optionally, the fluid comprises a circulating fluid.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for medical therapy comprising a support board, an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy, the element suspended by the board; and at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element is configured to produce a relatively non-diverging ultrasound beam.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element is suspended a distance above the board. Optionally, the element is suspended by a material raised above a surface of the board. Optionally, the material includes copper. Optionally, the material includes an electrically conductive glue.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element is suspended over an aperture or a depression in the board by walls of the aperture or depression. Optionally, the element is suspended over the board along the periphery of the element. Optionally, the element is suspended over the board away from the periphery of the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the board further comprises at least one heat conductive element thermally coupled to the element. Optionally, a cross section of the support board is annular.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, two or more elements adapted to transmit ultrasound energy, at least one of the two or more elements is supported above the board, and at least one gas bubble coupled to at least one of the two or more elements.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises: an element comprising at least one region adapted to at least transmit and at least one region adapted to at least receive, the element positioned over the board; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the regions; and at least one gas bubble coupled to the at least one region adapted to at least transmit.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises: two or more elements adapted to transmit ultrasound energy, at least two of the two or more elements are supported by the board; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the two or more elements; and a gas bubble coupled to at least two elements of the at least two elements. Optionally, the two or more elements are used as a phased array.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for medical therapy comprising: an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a support board, the element suspended by the board and the board comprises at least one channel to direct flow of a fluid between the board and the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element comprises at least one region adapted to at least transmit ultrasound treatment.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element comprises at least one region adapted to at least receive ultrasound imaging.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the board comprises a depression comprising a damping material, and wherein the one region adapted to at least receive is coupled to the damping material.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of making an ultrasound transducer for medical therapy comprising: applying a gas to an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; forming a bubble comprising a gas surrounded by a film of a liquid; and retaining the bubble by immersing the element in a liquid.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a catheter for medical therapy comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end comprising: an ultrasound transducer comprising an acoustic element; and a temperature sensor for estimating the temperature of the element. Optionally, the sensor is positioned downstream from the element.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a catheter for medical therapy comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end comprising: an ultrasound transducer comprising an acoustic element; and at least one cooling element thermally coupling the element to a heat sink.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the heat sink comprises one or more braids in a shaft of the catheter.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cooling element comprises one or more channels on the surface of the catheter, the grooves configured to direct flow of a fluid over the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cooling element controls the flow rate of a fluid over the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distal end is made out of relatively stiff materials and a proximal end is made out of relatively flexible materials.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a shaft of the catheter is configured to transmit torque in a one to one ratio from the distal end to the proximal end.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound transducer for medical therapy comprising: an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy; at least two electrodes configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element; and a support board, wherein the support board is coupled to the element at 0.06%-17% of a surface area of the board.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer further comprises electrically conductive glue to couple the element to the board.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention an ultrasound system for medical therapy comprising: an ultrasound transducer; a catheter comprising the transducer at a distal end; and a controller, the controller configured to apply electrical power to the transducer to output ultrasound energy at a frequency of 10-60 Mhz and at an intensity of over 10 Watts per square centimeter.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a catheter for medical therapy comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end comprising: an ultrasound transducer comprising an acoustic element; wherein the catheter is designed to not contact a vessel wall while the transducer is aimed at the vessel wall.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an ultrasound beam produced by the transducer is non-focused.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a catheter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a treatment method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-B are views of an ultrasound transducer coupled to a bubble, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a side view of the transducer, with bubble replaced by a material, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-F are illustrations of some embodiments to couple the bubble to the acoustic element, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-P are illustrations of some embodiments of the ultrasound transducer coupled to the bubble suspended over a board, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-B are illustrations of some possible features on board, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7A-B are block diagrams of methods of making a transducer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-B are illustrations of a housing used with the transducer, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A-D are illustrations of some embodiments of a multielement transducer, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary design of a multiregional transducer, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 11A-C are illustrations of some embodiments of a transducer with a canopy, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 12A-C are illustrations of some embodiments of transducer shapes, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary design of a catheter for guiding the transducer inside the body, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate some embodiments of possible positions of the transducer on the catheter, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 15A-C illustrate some embodiments of elements to cool and/or control the flow of a fluid over the transducer element, in accordance with an some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a control system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an ultrasound transducer and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system for delivering ultrasound energy for medical treatment, for example, intravascular treatment.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an ultrasound transducer comprising an acoustic element coupled to a gas bubble. Optionally, two or more bubbles are coupled to the element. Optionally, the bubble is created when the transducer is inserted into a fluid.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, two or more electrodes are positioned to create a voltage across at least some volume of the element.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to the gas bubble remaining coupled to the element during vibrations, for example 5-60 Mhz, 10-20 Mhz, or other smaller, intermediate or larger frequency ranges, that produce an ultrasound intensity sufficient for medical therapy, for example 20 watts/cm², 30 watts/cm², 50 watts/cm², 100 watts/cm², or other smaller, intermediate or larger intensities.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the relatively high acoustic intensity output is achieved by the use of the bubble.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the bubble is coupled to the element by surface tension. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling surface area of the element is increased, for example, by one or more of, hair-like projections, tree-like projections, small spheres, jagged irregularities. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling force is increased by a coating at least on the element, for example, a hydrophilic coating and/or a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively or additionally, static electricity forms and/or increases the coupling.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to making an ultrasound transducer comprising a bubble coupled to an acoustic element. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method of making comprises forming the bubble by submersion of the element in a liquid such as water, saline, blood. Alternatively or additionally, the method comprises forming the bubble from a liquid and/or coupling the bubble to the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the bubble is filled with a gas, for example, one or more of, room air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrafluoride.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to an acoustic element suspended over and/or above a support board, at a relatively small number of locations, for example, 1, 2, 8, 12 or other smaller, intermediate or larger numbers, and/or at a relatively small surface area of the element, for example, about 0.06%-about 17% of the surface area of the element, for example, one location is about 0.06% of the surface area, eight locations are about 0.5% of the surface area. Optionally, the acoustic element is coupled to a bubble. Optionally, the suspension areas are at a peripheral location of the element. Alternatively or additionally, the suspension areas are away from the periphery. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, suspension relatively decreases the damping forces on the element.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, surface features on the board control and/or direct flow of a liquid between the board and the element. Optionally, the surface features are grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least some area of the element is suspended over and/or above a depression and/or an aperture in the board and/or in a housing. Optionally, at least some of the depression and/or aperture is configured for a function, for example, one or more of, reflection, transmission, damping.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the transducer comprising at least two elements suspended over and/or above a board. Optionally, at least one element is coupled to at least one bubble. Alternatively or additionally, at least one bubble is coupled to at least two elements.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a transducer comprising at least two regions configured for at least two different functions. Optionally, at least one region is configured for imaging (e.g., transmitting and/or receiving) and/or at least one region is configured for treatment. Optionally, two or more regions (e.g., at two or more different location) configured for treatment are designed to operate at two or more different frequencies.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to at least one cooling element reducing the temperature of the element. Optionally, cooling occurs according to the temperature measured by the sensor. Optionally, cooling occurs by a flow of a liquid (e.g., blood, saline, dye) over the element, for example, by injection of the liquid, by passive flow of the liquid (e.g., blood flow), by acoustic pressure induced flow, by active control of the flow rate of the liquid, by directing flow of the liquid using one or more flow channels (e.g., on the catheter). Alternatively or additionally, cooling occurs by transfer of heat to blood, for example, through the surface of the catheter shaft and/or the transducer surface. Optionally, cooling is increased using active heat flux such as a thermoelectric cooler.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Overview

For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-20 of the drawings, reference is first made to an example of an ultrasound treatment catheter 1222 inside a blood vessel, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and/or a method of treatment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, where exemplary embodiments of the invention may be used.

At 1506, one or more initial parameters are set (e.g., for treatment, for imaging) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, for example, frequency, energy intensity, duty cycle, pulse duration, pulse repetition frequency, duration of treatment, focused and/or unfocused mode, maximum temperature for element 102. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the initial parameters are set according to a treatment plan, for example, as described with reference to attorney docket number 50524, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Optionally, the treatment plan is based on clear anatomical landmarks, such as arterial bifurcations.

At 1500, catheter 1222 in inserted into the body of a patient, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Standard vascular access methods can be used, for example, from the femoral artery. Optionally, catheter 1222 is threaded using a guidewire 1202 (e.g., standard 0.014 over the wire, rapid exchange) to the target treatment site (e.g., an artery such as the iliac, renal, carotid, aorta) under image guidance, such as fluoroscopy. Alternatively or additionally, catheter 1222 is directed inside a guiding sheath to the anatomical treatment location.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the initial parameters are set manually (e.g., by a user) using an interface coupled to a controller. Alternatively or additionally, parameters are automatically determined, such as by a software module of the controller.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, catheter 1222 comprises at least one transducer 300, positioned for example, on the side, such as inside a window cut into the catheter shaft 1230. Alternatively, a support for transducer 300 is “U” shaped.

At 1502, contact between an acoustic element 102 of transducer 300 and a surface and/or a wall 1226 of a vessel, cavity and/or lumen is reduced and/or prevented, for example, by a separation element and/or device 1204, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Device 1204 maintains a distance 1218 between element 102 and wall 1226 of at least 1 mm. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, maintaining at least distance 1218 reduces or prevents overheating of element 102. Optionally, a fluid located in distance 1218 transfers heat away from element 102.

Additional details about separation element 1204 are discussed with reference to attorney docket number 50824, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

At 1510, electrical energy is applied to transducer 300, for example, according to parameters set at 1506, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, target tissue 1216 is treated by an ultrasound beam 1228 from transducer 300. In some embodiments, treating comprises a thermal effect (e.g., heating to above 55 degrees Celsius) and/or a cavitation effect. In some embodiments, damage and/or treatment to tissues (e.g., normal, healthy) surrounding target tissue 1216 is reduced and/or prevented. In some embodiments, treatment and/or damage to a volume of tissue between target tissue 1216 and wall 1226 is reduced and/or prevented. Selectively targeting tissue is discussed in more detail with reference to attorney docket number 50524.

Optionally, at 1504, one or more variables are measured and/or estimated as part of treatment feedback, for example, a flow rate of blood 1220 inside the vessel (e.g., using transducer 300 in Doppler mode), a temperature of transducer 300 (e.g., using sensor 308), distance 1218 (e.g., using acoustic feedback), distance 1232 (e.g., using transducer 300 in imaging mode), and/or impedance of transducer 300 (e.g., electrical measurements), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

In some embodiments, variables measured at 1504 are used to calibrate and/or adjust parameters at 1506, for example, by a look-up table of correlated values. Optionally, measurements as in 1504 occur during and/or after the treatment. Optionally or additionally, adjustment of parameters as in 1506 occurs during and/or after the treatment.

Optionally, at 1508, the integrity of transducer 300 is verified, for example, for mechanical failure and/or presence of foreign matter (e.g., thrombus), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Integrity is verified, for example, by measuring changes in the impedance of transducer 300. Optionally, verification of integrity occurs during and/or after treatment.

Measuring the integrity of transducer 300 is described in more detail with reference to attorney docket number 50522, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Optionally, at 1516, transducer 300 is used in an imaging mode to obtain feedback about a target tissue 1216. One or more non-limiting examples of target tissues 1216 include, fat, nerves, vasa vasora, lymph, tumor, connective tissue, plaque (e.g., atherosclerotic). Target tissue 1216 may be located a distance 1232 away from the inner surface of wall 1226. Examples of the maximum distance 1232 of target tissue 1216 that can be imaged using transducer 300 include 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or other smaller, intermediate or larger distances. Alternatively or additionally, one or more non-limiting examples of ultrasound imaging methods to estimate the extent of thermal damage in the target tissue and/or surrounding tissue include, measuring the ultrasound backscatter coefficient, ultrasound elastography, measuring US absorption and/or scattering from the treatment region, spectral signature mapping, classification according to a classification matrix of tissues, and/or the ultrasonic effect.

Optionally, at 1512, element 102 is cooled, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Optionally, cooling occurs by transfer of heat from element 102 to a surrounding fluid such as blood 1220, saline, urine, water, angiography contrast fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, mucous, stomach acid. Alternatively or additionally, cooling occurs by injection of a cooled volume of a liquid (e.g., saline, radio-opaque dye) through tube 1206, and/or circulation of a liquid through tube 1208. Alternatively or additionally, cooling is increased using active heat flux, such as the thermoelectric cooler.

In some embodiments, cooling of element 102 is controlled by the controller, using feedback obtained about the temperature of element 102, for example, from sensor 308.

Additional details about cooling element 102 are discussed with reference to attorney docket number 50523, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Optionally, at 1514, one or more of 1504, 1516, 1508, 1510 and/or 1512 are repeated, for example, in a feedback cycle.

Bubble Transducer—Element

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 3A-B illustrate an ultrasound transducer 100 for medical therapy, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3A is a side view, and FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of transducer 100. Transducer 100 is designed for high intensity output, for example, up to 100 watts per square centimeters, to cause tissue damage (e.g., heating), while being sufficiently small, for example, about 10 mm (length)×about 1.5 mm (width)×about 0.8 mm (thickness), to be inserted inside blood vessels of the human body on a catheter.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an element 102 is adapted to produce and/or transmit a beam 114 of ultrasound energy. Without being bound to theory, a rectangular element 102 produces an ultrasound beam with relatively low divergence when vibrating, (e.g., for simplification, expansion (arrows 150) and/or contraction (arrows 152)) in response to a sinusoidal voltage applied between a first surface 132 and a second surface 134.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, element 102 is vibrated to produced a beam 114 intensity of at least 1-10 watts/cm², 20 watts/cm², 30 watts/cm², 50 watts/cm², 100 watts/cm² or other smaller, intermediate or larger intensities.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least two electrodes 302 and/or 304 are configured to apply a voltage across at least some volume of the element 102, for example, electrode 302 is located on at least some surface 132 and/or electrode 304 is located on at least some surface 134.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, electrodes 302 and/or 304 are made out of an electrically conductive biocompatible material such as fired silver. Optionally, electrodes 302 and/or 304 are relatively thin, for example, 5-10 micrometers, or other smaller, intermediate or larger thicknesses. Optionally, electrodes 302 and/or 304 are coupled to element 102 by a process such as a firing process.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, element 102 is made out of a material suitable to produce ultrasound energy, for example, a piezo-electric such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), for example, piezo-electric quartz and/or ceramic.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the thickness of element 102 (e.g. space between electrodes 302 and 304) is about 50 micrometers, about 100 micrometers, about 200 micrometers, about 400 micrometers, or other smaller, intermediate or larger thicknesses are used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the voltage applied causes element 102 to be vibrated at a frequency, for example, of about 5 Mhz, about 10 Mhz, about 20 Mhz, about 50 Mhz, about 60 Mhz, or other smaller, intermediate or larger frequencies are used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the thickness of element 102 is related to the expected frequency of vibration of element 102, optionally linearly related, for example, a thickness of 100 micrometers for a frequency of 20 Mhz, a thickness of 200 micrometers for a frequency of 10 Mhz.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the shape of element 102 is rectangular. Alternatively, element 102 is square. Alternatively, other shapes are used, for example, one or more of, annular, semi-annular, concave. Alternatively or additionally, element 102 is flat with an array of electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, an array of elements 102 is used. Alternatively or additionally, several elements 102 are used, wherein elements 102 are spaced apart and/or angled apart. Alternatively or additionally, element 102 produces an ultrasound beam in two opposite directions simultaneously, for example, if the bubble is not used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, element 102 is planar.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, element 102 is relatively long, for example, having a length of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 4 mm, about 6 mm, about 8 mm, about 10 mm, or other smaller, intermediate or larger lengths are used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the width of element 102 is relatively short, for example, about 0.2 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.4 mm, about 2.0 mm, or other smaller, intermediate or larger widths are used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, beam 114 is unfocused, for example, beam does not converged at a point, for example, beam diverges relatively little. Alternatively, beam 114 is focused, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 12C.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, beam 114 produced by the rectangular element 102 is relatively straight, spreading an angle 112 of about fifteen (15) degrees relative to a normal to surface 132 of element 102, when measured along the length. Non-limiting ranges of angle 112 include about 0.1 degrees to about 30 degrees. Without being bound to theory, angle 112 is inversely related to surface 132 and/or inversely related to the frequency of vibration of element 102 (e.g., smaller element 102 and/or lower frequency increase angle 112).

A potential advantage of a relatively thin element 102 vibrating at a relatively high frequency is the reduction and/or prevention of the risk of mechanical failure (e.g., breaking, fracturing). Inventors hypothesize that the high frequency vibration and/or a relatively thin height results in a rate of heat transfer from element 102 (e.g., to a surrounding fluid), that is sufficient to prevent and/or reduce damage to element 102 due to heat build up.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, transducer 100 has a resonance and an anti-resonance. Optionally, transducer 100 has several resonant frequencies and several anti-resonances formed from local maxima, such as on an efficiency graph. Optionally, transducer 100 is used at a working frequency equal to the anti-resonance. The anti-resonance was found empirically to provide a relatively higher efficiency in terms of a ratio of conversion of electrical energy to sound, as opposed to conversion of electrical energy to heat.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, element 102 uses different anti-resonance values for the working frequency when available. For example one anti-resonance may be used for moderate heating of the tissue, another for power heating of the tissue and yet another for monitoring.

Bubble Transducer—Gas Bubble

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one gas bubble 160 is coupled to at least some area of a side element 102, for example, to side 134, such as to electrode 134. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 relatively increases the efficiency of element 102 in converting electrical power to acoustic energy.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gas in bubble 160 is room air. Alternatively, the gas in bubble 160 is for example, one or more of, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon tetrafluoride.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 is formed by surface tension of a liquid (e.g., water, saline, blood) around the gas, such as during immersion of element 102 into the liquid.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a thickness 170 of bubble 160 (e.g. measured approximately in the center) is about 1 micrometer, 10 micrometers, about 50 micrometers, about 100 micrometers, about 200 micrometers, or other smaller, intermediate or larger thicknesses are used. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 is about the size of surface area of side 134 of element 102.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 prevents an ultrasound beam from passing through. Bubble 160 can be used to create ultrasound beam 114 from one direction of element, for example, from surface 132.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the surface area of side 134 is increased to relatively increase the coupling force between bubble 160 and side 134. One or more examples of increasing the surface area of side 134 include, hair-like projections 402, jagged surface variations 404, microspheres 406 and/or tree like projections 408.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a coating 410 on at least a portion of side 134 is used to relatively increase the coupling force between bubble 160 and side 134. Optionally coating 410 is hydrophobic. Alternatively or additionally, coating is hydrophilic. One or more non-limiting examples of coating 410 include, Parylene available from Para Tech Coating Inc., Galxyl available from GALENTIS. In some embodiments, coating 410 is applied for example, by chemical vapor deposition. In some embodiments coating 410 is relatively thin, for example, 5 micrometers.

As illustrated in FIG. 4C, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, bubble 160 is formed before immersion of element 102 into the liquid, for example, from a liquid film 412 such as microbubbles in an acoustic ultrasound contrast agent, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 7B.

As illustrated in FIG. 4D, in some embodiments of the invention, two or more bubbles 160 are coupled to side 134 of element 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 4E, in some embodiments of the invention, a second bubble 414 is coupled to one or more bubbles 160 coupled to side 134. Optionally second bubble 414 is coupled, for example, by static and/or surface tension. Optionally, there is a space between bubbles. In some embodiments of the invention, two or more bubbles 414 are used to create bubble shapes to relatively increase the efficiency of element 102, for example, the vibration of element 102 can be mathematically modeled, with two or more bubbles 414 designed accordingly.

As illustrated in FIG. 4F, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 is coupled to side 134 by increasing the surface tension on bubble 160. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a base 450 creates a space 452 between base 450 and side 134, thereby increasing the surface tension. Optionally, base 450 is coated with a coating 454 to relatively increase the surface tension, for example coating like 410. One or more non-limiting examples of base 450 will be discussed in more detail below, such as board 104 and/or housing 800.

In some embodiments of the invention, bubbles 160 and/or 414 are of one or more sizes. Alternatively or additionally, bubbles 160 and/or 414 contain one or more types of gases.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 is coupled to most or all of area of side 134.

FIG. 3C is a side view of transducer 100, with bubble 160 replaced by a material 390, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, material 390 has an effect similar to bubble 160, for example, relatively increasing the efficiency of transducer 100. Optionally, material 390 is a foam like material filled with the gas. Alternatively or additionally, material 390 is a heat conductive, electrically isolating polymeric pad.

Experimental Results Showing Some Potential Advantages

Inventors performed experiments to test a first hypothesis that the presence of the bubble improves the efficiency (e.g., converting electrical energy into ultrasound energy) of a transducer under an intensity setting sufficient for medical therapy, a second hypothesis that the structure of the transducer provides for coupling of the bubble to a side of the transducer, even during the intensity setting sufficient for medical therapy, and a third hypothesis that the structure of the transducer (e.g., relatively thin) reduces and/or eliminates the risk of mechanical failure of the transducer under the intensity setting sufficient for medical therapy.

Inventors performed five experiments, in which they immersed one of the five transducers in water to form a bubble. An intensity setting sufficient to perform a medical treatment procedure was applied to the transducer, for example, as described with reference to 1510 in FIG. 2. The efficiency of the transducer was measured using a hydrophone to measure the acoustic intensity output, and/or ‘off the shelf’ instruments to measure the applied electrical power. The results showed a surprisingly high efficiency (e.g., conversion of applied electrical power to ultrasound energy), for example, up to 60%.

Subsequently, inventors increased the intensity to a relatively high level, higher than would be required for the medical treatment procedure.

As shown in the table below, the results show a decrease in efficiency at the relatively higher intensity relative to the efficiency measured at the relatively lower intensity. The differences in efficiencies are statistically significant, having p value <0.01 for all 5 experiments.

After removing the transducers and drying them at room temperature in room air for 12 hours, the transducers were re-immersed in the water, and the efficiency under the intensity level sufficient to perform a medical procedure was re-measured as shown in the table below. The transducers used in the experiment are based on FIGS. 4F, 5M and 5N, having a coating of Parylene applied by chemical vapor deposition. The bubble is retained by surface tension, for example, in a containment area (e.g., the depression in the board).

Efficiency under Efficiency under Efficiency after 12 an intensity level a higher intensity hours of drying and sufficient for than required for sufficient intensity Transducer medical treat- medical treat- for medical treat- # ment (set 1) ment (set 2) ment (set 3) A 43% 36.4% 40% B 56% 40.7% 56% C 60% 49.6% 60% D 54% 39.0% 55% E 60% 49.3% 61%

Surprisingly, the results showed that the efficiency of all 5 transducers after drying (set 3) was approximately equivalent to the first set of efficiency measurements (set 1).

As a control, before removing transducer D from the water for drying, transducer D was left for 12 hours in the water. The efficiency after 12 hours in the water remained at 39%.

Without being bound to theory, inventors believe that the results can be explained by the presence of the bubble during the first set of measurements, followed by the escape of the bubble during the second set of measurements, followed by the reformation of the bubble during the third set.

Inventors believe that the surprising results of a higher efficiency at the first set of measurements, relative to the second set, is due to the presence of the bubble.

Inventors believe that the surprising results of a higher efficiency at the first set of measurements, relative to the second set, support the hypothesis that the bubble remains coupled to the element, even under the intensity and/or the frequency sufficient for medical therapy.

Inventors believe that the surprising results of an increase in efficiency after drying the transducers (set 3), to about the same level as the first set of measurements, support the hypothesis that mechanical failure of the transducer is reduced and/or prevented, even under a higher intensity level than is required for medical therapy.

In summary, in accordance with the first hypothesis, the experimental results support the theory that the bubble significantly improves the efficiency of the transducer. In accordance with the second hypothesis, the experimental results support the theory that the bubble remains coupled to the transducer during an intensity and/or a frequency setting sufficient for medical therapy, even though the element is vibrating. In accordance with the third hypothesis, the experimental results support the theory that the structure of the transducer reduces and/or eliminates the risk of mechanical failure during the intensity setting sufficient for medical therapy.

Additional Potential Advantages

A potential advantage of the relatively high efficiency (e.g., 60%) of transducer 100 is a relatively low rate of heat transferred to the blood, potentially preventing and/or reducing the risk of adverse events such as thrombus formation.

A potential advantage of the relatively small surface area 132 of element 102 and/or a relatively straight bream 114 and/or a relatively high energy output intensity is that focusing of beam 114 is not required, for example, to target and/or treat tissues.

One or more potential advantages of the non-focused ultrasonic beam include:

-   -   A relatively large treatment volume cross-section as a result of         the size of the transducer face (as compared to focused         ultrasound that provides for a relatively smaller treatment         volume).     -   A relatively even spread of ultrasonic energy in the cross         section of the beam. No need for precise positioning from the         wall of the blood vessel or from the target tissue like in         focused ultrasound.

Method of Making the Transducer

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate some exemplary methods of making the ultrasound transducer (e.g., transducer 100), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a method coupling and/or forming bubble 160 during submersion of element 102 into a liquid, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

At 700, gas (e.g., room air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide) is applied to element 102, such as to side 134, for example, by immersing element 102 and/or side 134 in the gas, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

At 702, element 102 is immersed in the liquid (e.g., blood, saline), such as during a medical procedure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, bubble 160 is formed and/or coupled to element 102, for example, by surface tension and/or by methods as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and/or 4B.

FIG. 7B illustrates a method of coupling an exiting and/or formed bubble 160 to element 102, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

At 704, bubble 160 is formed and/or obtained, for example, from a liquid such as microbubbles in an acoustic ultrasound contrast agent in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

At 706, bubble 160 is coupled to element 102, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 4C.

Supported Element

FIGS. 5A-P illustrate some exemplary embodiments of the invention, wherein a transducer (e.g., element 102, with at least two electrodes 302 and/or 304, optionally with bubble 160 coupled to side 134), is supported above at least some area of a support board 104. Optionally, element 102 is suspended over at least some volume of a depression 514 and/or an aperture 518 of the board 104. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one region and/or area of element 102 is used to suspend element 102.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, board 104 is a printed circuit board.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least some part of board 104 (e.g. part supporting element 102) is made from a rigid material, for example, one or more of, a hard polymer, glass-fiber, carbon fiber. Alternatively or additionally, at least some part of board 104 is made from a flexible material, such as polyimide.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the shape of board 104 is for example, rectangular. Non-limiting examples of dimensions of a rectangular board 104 are 10×1.5 mm, with a uniform thickness of 150 micrometers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a relatively small surface area of element 102 (e.g., side 134) is used to couple element 102 to board 104, for example, about 0.06%-about 17% of the surface area of the element, for example, one location (e.g., drop) is about 0.06% of the surface area, eight locations are about 0.5% of the surface area of side 134.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, element 102 is suspended a distance 520 above board 104, for example, 0.1 micrometers, 1 micrometers, 10 micrometers, 17 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 150 micrometers, 200 micrometers, or other smaller, intermediate or larger distances. Optionally, the bubble is located in the space formed by distance 520. Optionally, the size of the bubble is determined according to distance 520.

FIG. 5A-5F illustrate a material 500 to suspend element 102 above board 104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, material 500 suspends element 102 above board 104 at 1 coupling area, 2 coupling areas, 4 coupling areas, 8 coupling areas, 12 coupling areas, or other smaller, intermediate or larger numbers of coupling areas. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, material 500 is for example, one or more of, glue, wire solder, paste solder. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the shape of material 500 is for example, one or more of, irregular (e.g., a blob) 522, a sphere 504, a strip 502. Optionally, material 500 is electrically conductive, for example, electrically coupled to electrode 302 and/or 304. Alternatively or additionally, material 500 is thermally conductive.

FIG. 5A is a side view, and FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of material 500 arranged along the periphery of the width of element 102, for example, as strip 502, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Illustrated is the non-limiting example of 2 materials 500 arranged as strips 502 along both widths.

FIG. 5C is a side view, and FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of material 500 arranged along the periphery of the length of element 102, for example, as sphere 504, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Illustrated is the non-limiting example of 8 materials 500 arranged as spheres 504 along both lengths.

FIG. 5E is a side view, and FIG. 5F is a cross sectional view of material 500 arranged away from the periphery of element 102 (e.g., centrally located). Illustrated is the non-limiting example of the use of one material 500, having irregular shape (e.g., blob) 522.

FIG. 5G is a side view, and FIG. 5H is a cross sectional view of a material, for example, a metal such as copper 506, used to suspend element 102 above board 104, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, copper 506 is printed on board 104, for example, using standard printed circuit board techniques. In some embodiments, a relatively thicker layer 508 of copper 506 is used to suspend element 102, for example, a thickness of 50-200 micrometers. Optionally, a relatively thinner layer 510, for example, 1-150 micrometers of copper 506 is used, for example, to conduct electricity and/or heat. Alternatively or additionally, a relatively medium thickness layer 512 (e.g., thickness between thick layer 508 and thin layer 510) is used to suspend element 102, for example with material 500 bridging the remaining gap.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, copper 506 is located on the surface of board 104 according to function, for example, to support element 102 and/or to conduct electricity and/or heat. Optionally, copper 506 coats at least some area of board 104.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, embodiments according to FIGS. 5A-H are selected in part according to electrification and/or cooling requirements, for example, relatively more contact areas provide relatively increased electrical power and/or cooling.

A potential advantage of relatively few contact areas as in FIGS. 5A-H is reducing damping forces on element 102.

FIG. 5I is a side view and FIG. 5J is a cross sectional view, of element 102 suspended over at least some volume of a depression 514 in board 104, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5K is a side view, and FIG. 5L is a cross sectional view of element 102 suspended over at least some volume of an aperture 518 in board 104, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, element 102 is suspended over at least some volume of depression 514 and/or aperture 518 by walls 516 of board 104 forming depression 514 and/or aperture 518, for example, at least at two areas, such as at the periphery of width of element 102 and/or at least at one area, such as away from the periphery (e.g., centrally).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, embodiments according to FIGS. 5I-L are selected according to the size of the bubble.

FIG. 5M is a side view and FIG. 5N is a cross sectional view, of material 500 suspending element 102 over at least some volume of a depression 514 in board 104, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5O is a side view and FIG. 5P is a cross sectional view, of material 500 suspending at least some volume of element 102 inside at least some volume of depression 514. Optionally, material 500 couples a side 522 (e.g., along width) of element 102 to the inside wall 516 of depression 514.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, embodiments according to FIGS. 5M-5P are selected according to bubble size, electrification requirements and/or cooling requirements.

Inventors hypothesize that a potential advantage of a free standing, and/or suspended element 102 is increased efficiency in producing acoustic and/or ultrasound energy. Without being bound to theory, inventors hypothesize that the increased efficiency is a result of a relatively small amount of resistance and/or damping of element 102, for example, as a result of the relatively small surface area of side 134 used to couple element 102 to board 104.

Board Features

FIG. 6A is a side view, and FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view illustrating some possible features on board 104 to control heat removal and/or control flow 604 of a liquid (e.g., blood, saline, water) under element 102, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, element 102 comprises one or more holes 690, such as from side 132 to side 134. Optionally, holes 690 allow for flow 604 of the liquid between sides 132 and 134.

In some embodiments of the invention, heat conductivity away from element 102, such as to board 104 is controlled, for example, by thermal conductive elements such as gold and/or copper filled holes 600. In some embodiments, holes 600 are thermally coupled to element 102, for example, through material 500 and/or copper 506. Other non-limiting examples of heat sinks to which holes 600 can conduct heat from element 102 to, include a heat sink (e.g., housing 800 as will be described below), a thermoelectric cooler, flowing liquid 604 (e.g., blood, water, saline, dye).

In some embodiments of the invention, the total surface area of holes 600 facing element 102 is relatively larger than the total surface area of material 500 contacting element 102.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more flow channels 602 control flow 604 of the liquid, for example, between element 102 and board 104. Optionally, element 102 is not coupled to bubble 160. Optionally, flow channels are grooves on the surface of board 104, for example, shaped by copper 506.

A potential advantage of controlling flow 604 under element 102 is to reduce and/or prevent the formation of thrombus due to stagnation of blood. Another potential advantage is to increase the rate of heat removal from element 102 to the flowing liquid 604 (e.g., blood, water, saline, dye).

Housing

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate the use of a housing 800 coupled board 104, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, housing 800 provides one or more functions, for example, mechanical support, radio-opacity, acoustic damping, acoustic reflection, focusing.

In some embodiments of the invention, housing 800 is coupled to catheter 1222, for example, at least some part of catheter 1222 has housing 800.

In some embodiments of the invention, housing 800 is coupled to board 104, for example, to side 802 of board (e.g., side not coupled to element 102). One or more examples of methods to couple housing 800 to board 104 include gluing, welding, crimping, screws.

In some embodiments of the invention, housing 800 provides mechanical support to board 104 and/or element 102, for example, by being made out of a rigid material such as steel, stainless steel, ceramics, hard polymers, carbon fiber. Optionally at least some of housing 800 is a peltier element

In some embodiments, housing 800 acts as a heat sink to increase the rate and/or amount of heat removed from element 102, for example, by being thermally coupled to element 102 through board 104 (e.g., through material 500 and/or copper 506 and/or holes 600).

In some embodiments, housing 800 contains radio-opaque direction markers such as an arrow 804 and/or an angle 806 (e.g., 45 degrees) to assist in orienting element 102 under fluoroscopic image guidance.

In some embodiments, housing 800 comprises a depression 804 and/or aperture, optionally in continuity with aperture 518 in board 104. Optionally, a bubble resides inside depression 804 and/or aperture 518. In some embodiments, at least some of element 102 is positioned over at least some volume of depression 804. Optionally, depression 804 dampens the acoustic energy transmitted by side 134 of element 102, for example, in some embodiment wherein element 102 is not coupled to bubble 160. One or more examples of methods to cause damping include, filling at least some of the volume of depression 804 with a damping material such as tungsten, irregular surface variations 806 (e.g., jagged edges) to randomly reflect acoustic energy from side 134. Alternatively or additionally, depression 804 reflects ultrasound, for example, by a flat reflecting surface 808, such as steel. Alternatively or additionally, depression 804 focuses ultrasound energy, for example, by a concave reflecting surface.

A potential advantage of housing 800 is to relatively increase the ability of element 102 to perform imaging, for example, by damping vibrations so that element 102 can receive returning echoes. Another potential advantage of housing 800 is to focus the ultrasound energy.

Multielement Transducers

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate some exemplary embodiments of a multielement transducer (e.g., two or more elements), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A illustrates a multielement transducer 900, wherein a side 910 of at least one element 902 is coupled to at least one bubble 906, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Optionally, a second side 912 of a second element 904 is coupled to at least one second bubble 908. Alternatively, second element 904 is not coupled to bubble 908.

FIG. 9B illustrates a multielement transducer 920, wherein a bubble 922 is coupled to at least two sides 924 of at least two elements 926, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, elements 926 are connected by one or more connectors 928, wherein connector 928 is coupled to bubble 922.

FIG. 9C illustrates a multielement transducer 930 designed to focus at least two ultrasound beams 934 from at least two elements 926 at a focal area and/or volume 938 (e.g., tissue), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, board 932 is shaped (e.g., concave) to result in focal area and/or volume 938.

FIG. 9D illustrates a multielement transducer 940, designed to direct one or more ultrasound beams 934 over a relatively wide area, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, beams 934 cover a cross sectional area and/or volume of 360 degrees, for example, to provide treatment (e.g., damage by heat and/or mechanic effect) of a cross section of a blood vessel. Alternatively, beams 934 cover a cross sectional area and/or volume of less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, board 942 is shaped to result in the coverage of beams 934, for example, having a cross sectional shape of a circle (e.g., ring) and/or semi-circle (e.g., arc). Optionally, board 942 contains a lumen 944.

In some embodiments, elements of transducers 900 920 930 and/or 940 are suspended over a support board 910 932 and/or 942.

In some embodiments of the invention, elements described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9D perform one or more functions, for example, imaging and/or treatment. Optionally, one or more elements are made out of one or more materials, for example, according to the function and/or application. For example, one or more elements designed for treatment are made out of a high intensity PZT formulation such as Navy Type III (available from Morgan Matroc as PZT-8). For example, one or more elements designed for imaging are made out of a PZT formulation designed for sensing such as Navy Type II (available from Morgan Matroc as PZT-5A). Alternatively or additionally, one or more elements are designed with one or more variations in dimensions, for example, according to the function and/or application. Alternatively or additionally, elements are individually controllable, for example, through a switch. For example, element 914 is made out of PZT NAVY TYPE III, and/or has a thickness of 200 micrometers, and/or is controlled to produce ultrasound at a frequency of 10 Mhz, and/or is used for treatment such as damage by heating. For example, element 916 is made out of PZT Navy Type II, and/or has a thickness of 100 micrometers, and/or is used for imaging by being controlled to produce ultrasound at a frequency of 20 Mhz, and/or controlled to receive the reflected echoes.

In some embodiments of the inventions, two or more elements are controlled to act as a phased array, for example, to direct the ultrasound beam and/or increase the intensity of the ultrasound beam at one or more locations.

Multiregional Transducer

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary design of a multiregional transducer 1000 to perform two or more functions, for example, acoustic feedback (e.g., imaging) and/or treatment, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, element 1002 comprises two or more regions, for example, one or more regions 1004 for producing ultrasound energy for treatment and/or one or more regions 1006 for producing ultrasound energy for imaging. In some embodiments, one or more imaging regions 1006 receive returning ultrasound echoes. Optionally, the echoes are processed (e.g., by a controller) to provide imaging data, such as of target tissues.

In some embodiments of the invention, element 102 is positioned over at least some area of a board 1020.

In some embodiments, regions 1004 and/or 1006 are separated by an inert region 1014, for example, a region of element 1002 that does not have a voltage applied across (e.g., one or zero electrodes across the inert region).

In some embodiments, electrodes at least on one side of regions with the same function (e.g., treatment regions 1004 and/or imaging regions 1006) are electrically coupled to function at substantially the same time under the same control, for example, electrodes 1008 and/or 1010 of treatment regions 1004 are electrically coupled. Optionally, regions with different functions (e.g., 1004 and/or 1006) share a common electrode 1012 on an opposite side (e.g., sides 1016 and/or 1026).

In some embodiments, region 1004 is designed for treatment (e.g., damage to tissue by heat), for example, by producing relatively higher intensity ultrasound energy. Optionally, the thickness of region 1004 is related to the expected frequency of the produced ultrasound energy, for example, 200 micrometers for 10 Mhz. Alternatively or additionally, side 1016 of region 1004 is coupled to at least one bubble 1018. Alternatively or additionally, region 1004 is suspended over board 1020, for example, by materials 1022 (e.g., glue, solder, copper).

In some embodiments, two or more regions (e.g., at two or more different location) configured for treatment are designed to operate at two or more different frequencies, for example, region 1004 on the left side of FIG. 10 can be designed to treat at 10 Mhz, and/or region 1004 on the right side of FIG. 10 can be designed to treat at 20 Mhz. Alternatively or additionally, two or more regions are electrified separately (e.g., have separate electrodes), for example, region 1004 on the left at a sinusoidal pattern of 10 Mhz and/or region on the right at 20 Mhz.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, two or more regions have different resonance frequencies. Alternatively, at least some of the resonance frequencies are the same.

In some embodiments of the inventions, two or more regions are controlled to act as a phased array, for example, to direct the ultrasound beam and/or increase the intensity of the ultrasound beam at one or more locations.

In some embodiments, region 1006 is designed for acoustic feedback (e.g., imaging), for example, for producing ultrasound energy and/or receiving the returning echo. Optionally, the thickness of region 1006 is related to the expected frequency of the produced ultrasound energy, for example, 100 micrometers for 20 Mhz. Alternatively or additionally, at least some area of side 1026 of region 1006 is coupled to at least some volume and/or area of a depression 1024 in board 1020, optionally containing a damping material such as tungsten.

In some embodiments of the invention, the ultrasound beam produced by imaging regions 1004 and the ultrasound beam produced by treatment region 1006 substantially overlap.

A potential advantage of transducer 1000 is the ability to perform imaging and/or treatment without having to reposition and/or reorient transducer 1000.

Cover

FIGS. 11A-C illustrate a canopy and/or cover for the transducer, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11A illustrates a canopy 1100 for the transducer that provides for an external fluid 1102 (e.g., blood) to circulate between element 102 and canopy 1100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, external fluid 1102 enters through one or more apertures 1104 in canopy 1100 and exits through one or more apertures 1106 in canopy 1100. In some embodiments, canopy 1100 is permeable to ultrasound energy, for example, made out of polyester, polyimides, polyolefins, latex, PeBax, nylon, silicon, PTFE. Optionally, canopy 1100 does not affect the ultrasound beam (e.g., direction, spread). Alternatively, canopy 1100 is shaped and/or designed to affect the ultrasound beam, for example, diverge the beam and/or filter the beam (e.g., the first harmonic), such as a lattice made out of metal having a spacing of about half a wavelength of the ultrasound beam that will affect the target tissue.

FIG. 11B illustrates a canopy 1110 for the transducer that isolates transducer from an external fluid 1102 (e.g., blood), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, canopy 1110 is a balloon, for example, made out of a material such as latex, PeBax, nylon, silicon, PTFE. In some embodiments, an internal fluid 1112 (e.g., saline, water, radio-opaque dye) occupies the volume between element 102 and canopy 1100. Optionally, fluid 1112 circulates between element 102 and canopy 1100, for example, from an inlet port 1114 to an outlet port 1116.

A potential advantage of canopy 1100 and/or 1110 is to provide for fluid 1102 and/or 1112 to circulate in order to remove heat generated by element 102 during function (e.g., vibration). Another potential advantage is to protect the transducer and/or element 102 from mechanical damage, for example, inadvertent contact with foreign objects. Another potential advantage is to reduce and/or prevent the formation of thrombus on the surface of transducer, for example, if the circulating fluid 1112 is not blood.

FIG. 11C illustrates the use of an embodiment of the transducer, for example as shown in FIG. 11B, as part of a catheter 1124 and/or endoscope, to treat tissues 1122 in body orifices and/or cavities that do not naturally contain a sufficient amount of an in-situ fluid that can bridge a distance between element 102 and tissues, for example, stomach 1120. The ultrasound beam 1126 produced by element 102 travels through fluid 1112, then through canopy 1110 into the tissues lining stomach 1120 to reach target tissue 1122.

In some embodiments, the transducer as shown in FIG. 11C is used to treat tissues from outside of the body, for example, through the skin and/or through an incision in the skin.

In some embodiments, the cover is used to focus the ultrasound beam, for example, to treat a target tissue.

Exemplary Element Shapes

FIG. 12A is a front view, and FIG. 12B is a cross sectional view (e.g., along the long axis) of a transducer 1800 with an annular and/or ring cross section (e.g., element 1802, bubble 1860 and/or board 1804 have an annular and/or ring cross section), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Alternatively, transducer 1800 (e.g., element 1802, bubble 1860 and/or board 1804) is semi-annular and/or arc shaped, for example, having an arc length of less than 360 degrees. Optionally, transducer 1800 contains a lumen 1808. In some embodiments, element 1802 is suspended above board 1804, for example, through a coupling material 1810 (e.g., glue, solder, copper). A potential advantage is treatment of a cross sectional area and/or volume of tissue around a blood vessel.

FIG. 12C is a cross sectional view of a transducer with an element 1820 for focusing an ultrasound beam 1826 at a focal point 1828. Optionally, element 1820 has a concave cross section, for example, a slice from a cylinder. Alternatively, element 1820 is concave in shape, for example, a plane sliced from a sphere. In some embodiments the concave shape is selected for a desired focal length. A potential advantage is obtaining relatively high intensity of ultrasound energy at the focal point.

Catheter—Exemplary Design

Referring back to FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, catheter 1222 is small enough to fit into blood vessels for treatment. Exemplary non-limiting sizes of catheter 1222 are 5 French, 7 French, 9 French, 11 French, 15 French, 21 French, or other smaller, intermediate or larger sizes.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, non-limiting examples of the size of the acoustic element are about 6 mm (length)×about 1 mm (width)×about 0.2 mm (thickness). Optionally, the length and/or width of the board are relatively larger than those of the element, non-limiting examples of dimensions include, about 10.5 mm (length)×about 1.5 mm (width)×about 0.15 mm (thickness). Optionally or additionally, the width of the housing is relatively similar to that of the element, in some embodiments, the length is slightly shorter, non-limiting examples of dimensions include, about 8.5 mm (length)×about 1.5 mm (width)×about 0.5 mm (thickness). The described dimensions are non-limiting, and other smaller, intermediate or larger sizes can be used.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, catheter 1222 comprises one or more lumens containing, for example, one or more of, wires (e.g., twisted pair, such as to measure the temperature using sensor 308), cables (e.g., coaxial cable, such as for delivering electrical power to electrodes 302 and/or 304), cooling elements, tubes for transporting fluid (e.g., saline, coolant, radioopaque dye), guidewire, positioning devices.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary design of catheter 1222 for guiding transducer 300 into an anatomical body site for medical treatment. Catheter 1222 is shown inside a branch vessel 2108 (e.g., renal, carotid, subclavian) off a main vessel 2106 (e.g., aorta).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, catheter 1222 has a relatively small diameter of about 6 Fr, or about 4 Fr, about 8 Fr, or other smaller, intermediate or larger sizes are used.

In some embodiments, an end of catheter 1222 comprising transducer 300 is referred to as ‘proximal’, an end of catheter 1222 that remains outside the body is referred to as ‘distal’.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a catheter shaft 2102 is designed to transmit rotation torque from a rotation controller 2104 to transducer 300, in about a one to one ratio through torturous anatomy (e.g., blood vessel), while reducing and/or preventing kinks. Optionally, a stiff portion 2110 of shaft 2102 is made out of a material sufficiently stiff to transmit torque in an approximately 1:1 ratio, such as a Braided shaft, made of materials such as nitinol, stainless steel and/or Helical Hollow Strand (HSS) available from Fort Wayne Metals and/or Hypotube with laser cutting available from Johnson Matthey Medical and/or polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, polyurethane, PET, PEEK, ECTFE, ETFE. Optionally, stiff portion is the length of shaft 2102 (e.g., as will be described below) minus the length of catheter tip 2118 (e.g., as will be described below).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, catheter tip 2118 of shaft 2102 (e.g., including transducer 300) is made out of a flexible material, for example, one or more materials including, Hypotube with laser cutting available from Johnson Matthey Medical, polytetrafluoroethylene, Nylon, polyurethane, Pebax, Tetrafluoroethylene, Hexafluoropropylene, Vinylidene Fluoride. Optionally, the length of tip 2118 is relatively short, for example, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, or other smaller, intermediate or larger lengths are used. A potential advantage of a relatively short and/or soft tip 2118 is reducing and/or preventing mechanical damage to the walls of blood vessels as catheter 1222 is moved axially forward and/or rotated. Another potential advantage is the ability to position tip 2118, for example, away from the wall of the blood vessel.

In some embodiments, a central portion 2140 is a continuation of stiff portion 2110. Alternatively, portion 2102 is a continuation of tip 2118. Alternatively, central portion 2140 is designed according to the expected anatomical structure associated with the procedure, for example, having a stiffness other than portion 2110 and/or tip 2118.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a length of catheter 1222, is approximately the length required to reach the treatment site using intravascular routes, for example, 65 cm, 100 cm, 120 cm, 150 cm, or other smaller, intermediate and/or larger lengths. A potential advantage is to reduce the loss of torque and/or to provide for relatively higher shaft 2102 flexibility.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, radioopaque markers 2112, located for example on tip 2118, assist in orienting and/or positioning under fluoroscopic guidance. Optionally, markers 2112 are flat. Optionally, markers 2112 show direction, for example, by being arrow shaped. Alternatively or additionally, markers 2112 show degree of rotation, for example, by comparing the angle of the image appearing on x-ray to a 45 (forty-five) degree angle marker 2112.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, axial movement markers 2114 indicate the amount of forward and/or reverse motion of catheter 1222. Optionally, markers 2114 are located on a portion of catheter shaft 2102 located outside the body. Alternatively or additionally, markers 2116 are radio-opaque and/or located on tip 2118, for example relatively close to transducer 300, to be visible on fluoroscopic images.

In some embodiments of the invention, the degree of rotation of catheter 1222 (e.g. along the long axis) is shown on controller 2104 by markers 2130.

In some embodiments of the invention, catheter 1222 is directed into position inside an outer sheath 2122. Optionally, sheath 2122 is made out of a material with relatively low friction against catheter 1222, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, polyurethane.

In some embodiments of the invention, catheter 1222 is steerable, even without the guide wire.

In some embodiments of the invention, catheter 1222 is passed through an 8 Fr “hockey-stick” guide catheter. Optionally, other sizes for the guide catheter are available, relative to the size of catheter 1222, for example, about 6 Fr, about 10 Fr, or other smaller, intermediate or larger sizes.

Potential advantages of catheter 1222 include one or more of, precise and/or easy torque following, simple treatment beam directivity feedback and/or control from standard angiographic equipment (e.g 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees), no need for high operator skills, and/or ability to use contrast agents during treatment.

In some embodiments of the invention, catheter 1222 includes one or more elements to move transducer 300. Optionally, the element is a piezoelectric element that can be vibrated by applying electrical power. Alternatively or additionally, the element moves transducer 300 for relatively fine positioning, for example, an electrically controlled motor. In some embodiments, the element vibrates and/or moves transducer 300 to position the strongest part of the ultrasound beam at the target tissue.

In some embodiments the controller can be calibrated according to the expected intensity profile of the produced ultrasound beam, for example, the controller vibrates and/or moves transducer 300 in order to obtain a desired position for thermally affecting the tissues.

Catheter—Exemplary Positions of Transducer

FIG. 14A illustrates one or more possible positions of the transducer on catheter 1222, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, a transducer 300 is positioned at the side of catheter 1222 (e.g., inside a window), for example, as described with reference to FIG. 1. Alternatively or additionally, transducer 1404, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 14B, is positioned at the front of catheter 1222. Alternatively or additionally, a transducer 1408 is placed on an angle, for example, using an angled housing. Alternatively or additionally, an annular or semi-annular transducer 1406, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 12A-B, is positioned on catheter 1222. Alternatively or additionally, a multielement transducer 1410, for example as described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9D, is positioned on catheter 1222.

There are one or more potential advantages associated with one or more positions of transducer system 300 on catheter 1222. For example, the side position can be easier to orient, control and/or position to target tissues at the periphery of the blood vessel, such as tissues located in the adventitia. For example, the front position may be useful for treating a branch point, where a single vessel splits into two. Another advantage is to send an ultrasound beam towards an object inside the lumen of a vessel (eg. thrombus). For example, the angular position can be used to target tissues located in areas difficult to target with the side and/or front orientations.

FIG. 14B illustrates a forward facing transducer 1404, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, a reflector 1422 reflects a beam 1420 produced by element 102. Optionally, an angle of reflection 1424 is controllable and/or adjustable (e.g., manually by user, automatically by controller), for example, by adjusting an angle 1426 of reflector 1422. Alternatively, the angle 1424 is preset during manufacturing. A potential advantage is the ability to treat tissue volumes without repositioning the catheter. Another potential advantage is the reduction and/or prevention of the risk of element 102 contacting the vessel wall.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, catheter 1222 should not be positioned against the vessel wall, unless element 102 is cooled, for example, using a cooling system as described in the section “CATHETER-OPTIONAL COOLING SYSTEM”.

Catheter—Optional Cooling System

Referring back to FIG. 1, a cooling system thermally coupled to element 102 comprises a temperature sensing element, such as sensor 308, to measure and/or estimate the temperature of element 102, and/or a cooling element (e.g., as will be described below) to control and/or maintain the temperature of element 102 (e.g., below a threshold), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. One or more examples of sensor 308 include thermocouple, fiber optic temperature sensor, temperature sensing diode, resistance thermometers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the temperature of element 102 (e.g., as estimated by sensor 308) is controlled to be below about 50 degrees Celsius, about 47 degrees Celsius, about 45 degrees Celsius, about 42 degrees Celsius, about 37 degrees Celsius, or other smaller, intermediate or larger thresholds are used.

Without being bound to theory, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a 6 mm long×1 mm wide transducer emitting ultrasound energy at an intensity of 100 Watts/square centimeter, generates about 11-24 Watts of excess heat (variation according to efficiency of operation) for removal. The amount of heat generated varies linearly with the size of the element and/or the intensity of emitted ultrasound energy.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more sensors 308 are located, for example, downstream (e.g., according to the direction of flow 1220 of a liquid such a blood) relative to element 102. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, sensor 308 measures the temperature of blood that has flowed 1220 over a surface 1224 of element 102. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the temperature of the blood that has flowed 1220 over surface 1224 is used as an estimate of the temperature of element 102.

In some embodiments, a liquid channel 1206 delivers a relatively cold liquid (e.g., saline, radio-opaque dye) to remove excess heat, for example, by causing the liquid to flow over surface 1224 of element 102. Optionally, the volume and/or frequency (e.g., pattern) of the liquid released (e.g., manually by a user, automatically by a controller) is estimated according to feedback of the temperature of element 102. Optionally, sensor 308 measures the temperature of the liquid after it has flowed over surface 1224.

In some embodiments, a heat conductor 1208 removes heat from element 102, inside catheter 1222. Optionally, heat conductor 1208 circulates a relatively cold fluid (e.g., saline, dye) towards element 102 to remove excess heat that is then transferred away from element 102 by the circulating fluid (e.g., direction arrows of system 1208).

As illustrated in FIG. 15A, in some embodiments of the invention, a thermoelectric cooler 2010 (e.g., electrified by wires 2014) thermally coupled to element 102, is used to relatively increase the rate and/or amount of heat removed from element 102. Optionally, cooler 2010 acts as a housing.

In some embodiments of the invention, cooler 2010 is thermally coupled to a heat sink, for example, comprising one or more braids 2012 of catheter 1222 shaft. Optionally, braids 2012 are made out of a thermally conductive material, such as metal (e.g., silver, gold, nickel, steel, copper, platinum). Optionally, braids 2012 are thermally coupled to blood flowing 1220 on the surface of catheter 1222. A potential advantage of braids 2012 is the ability to spread heat from element 102 onto a relatively large surface area of catheter 1222, where it can be transferred to blood and/or other fluids (e.g., saline, urine, water, angiography contrast fluids, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, mucous, stomach acid).

As illustrated in FIG. 15B, in some embodiments of the invention, one or more flow channels 1550 (e.g., grooves and/or indentations) formed at the surface of catheter 1222 direct flow of a fluid (e.g., blood) over the treatment surface 1224 and/or side 132 of element 102, for example, to transfer heat from element 102 to the fluid.

FIG. 15C illustrates a design for a flow controller 2000 to control (e.g., increase and/or decrease) flow 1220 of a fluid (e.g., blood) over element 102, for example, to cool element 102 by increasing the rate of heat transfer to the blood, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, flow controller 2000 is manually controlled by a user and/or automatically controller by a controller.

In some embodiments of the invention, flow controller 2000 comprises a gate (e.g., flap) 2002 to control blood flow 1220 over element 102, for example, by increasing and/or decreasing the cross sectional area of gate 2002 through which blood can flow 1220. Alternatively or additionally, controller 2000 controls blood flow 1220 by increasing and/or decreasing the cross sectional area of vessel 2004, for example, by inflating and/or deflating a balloon.

Another potential advantage of increasing and/or forming flow 1220 of a fluid (e.g., blood, saline) over element 102 is to reduce and/or prevent the formation of thrombus on element 102.

Kit

In some embodiments of the invention, catheters 1222 are sold as a kit, for example, there are multiple catheters 1222 to choose from for the treatment procedure. Optionally, the kit contains catheters 1222 having elements 102 designed for different treatment frequencies, for example, 10 Mhz, 20 Mhz, or other smaller, intermediate or larger frequencies. Optionally or additionally, catheters 1222 have different lengths for different anatomical treatment positions, for example, 55 cm to reach the renal artery, 95 cm to reach the carotid artery. Optionally or additionally, catheters 1222 are designed for specific anatomical treatment locations, for example, having elements 102 located at different positions on catheter 1222 such as to treat renal nerves at the renal artery ostium. Optionally or additionally, some catheters 1222 have elements 102 that can perform imaging functions.

Exemplary Control System

FIG. 16 illustrates an ultrasound treatment system 1600, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. System 1600 provides for the control of the ultrasound treatment and/or monitoring of the treatment using catheter 1222.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, an operator (e.g., physician performing the procedure) programs a controller 1602 (e.g., computer) for treatment using a user interface 1604 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, monitor). Optionally, treatment is monitored, for example, by viewing feedback parameters on interface 1604.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more functions and/or parameters and/or settings are programmed and/or set into controller 1602, for example:

-   -   Frequency of the ultrasound energy produced by vibration of         element 102, for example, by a sinusoidal wave form.     -   Intensity is the produced ultrasound energy divided by the         surface area of element 102.     -   Impedance of element 102.     -   Pulse duration is the length of a pulse measured in time.     -   Duty cycle is the percentage of time in a pulse that ultrasound         energy is transmitted.     -   Duration of treatment is the time during which US energy is         being delivered.     -   Acoustic feedback is feedback obtained by analyzing returning         ultrasound signals, for example, the voltage across element 102         as a function of time.     -   Flow rate is the estimated (e.g., average) rate of flow of fluid         (e.g., blood) across the surface of element 102 and/or the wall         of the treatment target (e.g., blood vessel).     -   Efficiency is the estimated efficiency of converting electrical         energy into ultrasound energy by element 102.     -   Temperature of operation is the approximate temperature of         element 102 and/or the liquid (e.g., blood, saline) that should         not be exceeded.     -   Cooling system cools element 102 to the temperature of         operation. Optionally, cooling system is used in combination         with blood flow.     -   Impulse excitation is the application of an impulse function         (e.g., delta function) to element 102, causing element 102 to         vibrate with a decreasing amplitude. In some embodiments of the         invention, the integrity of system 300 is verified and/or         checked by applying an impulse function (eg. delta function) to         element 102, resulting in a voltage pattern across element 102         (eg. vibration and/or ringing pattern) over time. Optionally,         the voltage pattern is used to estimate the reduction in         efficiency of element 102, for example, by using a calibration         look-up table, by performing calculations. The reduction in         efficiency can be a result of, for example, one or more of,         foreign material on surface of element 102 (eg. thrombus),         element 102 contacting the vessel wall, mechanical damage to         element 102.     -   Navigation system controls the movement and/or positioning         and/or orientation of catheter 1222 and/or transducer 300.     -   Treatment pattern is the combination of one or more of the above         variables.     -   Pressure is the pressure of the liquid (e.g., blood) during         treatment and/or imaging.     -   Electric power is the applied power to the transducer.     -   Reflected electric power from the transducer back to the         controller.     -   Voltage is the measured and/or applied voltage on the         transducer.     -   Current is the measured and/or applied current in the         transducer.

Exemplary Exemplary Theoretical Treatment Treatment sub Parameter range range range Frequency (MHz): Treatment  1-60  8-30 10-22 Imaging  1-60 10-60 10-25 Intensity (Watts/sq cm)  1-200  10-100 10-60 Duty cycle (%)  0.1-100  10-100  50-100 Pulse duration (seconds)  0.01-1000 0.1-4   0.1-2   Duration of treatment   0.1-1000  2-120  3-60 (Seconds) per location Efficiency (%)     1-70%    20-70%    35-70% Temperature (Celsius)  10-100 15-80 25-80

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, controller 1602 produces an electrification waveform that is sinusoidal according to the set “Frequency” with an amplitude associated with the set “Intensity”.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, controller 1602 monitors and/or maintains one or more set parameters, according to one or more adjustable parameters. Optionally, controller 1602 adjusts one or more parameters, for example, according to changes (e.g., increase and/or decrease of 10%) between the current measurement and/or one or more previous measurements. Controller 1602 automatically selects one or more parameters to adjust, for example, according to one or more of, a look-up table (e.g., stored in a memory), calculations, using feedback (e.g., slowly changing a parameter and/or monitoring expected changes).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, power unit 1606 provides voltage and/or current (e.g., alternating and/or oscillating) to electrodes 302 and/or 304, causing element 102 to vibrate (e.g., expand and/or contract) at the set frequency, outputting a set power intensity.

Potential Advantages

The following are some potential advantages, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention:

-   -   Miniature and/or thin ultrasonic transducer that can generate a         relatively high intensity ultrasonic output continuously at a         relatively high frequency.     -   Relatively high efficiency ultrasonic transducer structure.     -   Manufacturing of ultrasonic transducer structure (e.g., board)         uses common microelectronic manufacturing processes, that         provide for miniaturization with a relatively high accuracy         and/or repeatability.

General

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant ultrasound transducers will be developed and the scope of the term transducer is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A catheter for medical therapy comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end adapted to be inserted into the body, comprising: an ultrasound transducer comprising an acoustic element; and a temperature sensor positioned in proximity to said acoustic element to provide an indication of a temperature of said acoustic element when said transducer is positioned within a blood vessel.
 2. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said temperature sensor is positioned downstream from said acoustic element such that it contacts blood flowing over a surface of said acoustic element, and wherein said indication of temperature of said acoustic element is a temperature of said blood.
 3. A catheter according to claim 2, wherein said catheter is connected to circuitry, said circuitry configured for estimating a temperature of said acoustic element using said temperature of said blood.
 4. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said catheter is connected to circuitry, said circuitry configured to apply electrical power to said transducer; said circuitry further configured to modify said applied electrical power according to feedback obtained from said temperature sensor, to maintain a temperature of said acoustic element under about 50 degrees Celsius.
 5. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said catheter further comprises a cooler operative to reduce a temperature of said acoustic element when said transducer is positioned within a blood vessel.
 6. A catheter according to claim 5, wherein said cooler comprises cold fluid that is aimed at said acoustic element to reduce a temperature of said acoustic element.
 7. A catheter according to claim 6, wherein said cold fluid is blood cooled by said cooler.
 8. A catheter according to claim 6, wherein said cold fluid is one of saline and dye.
 9. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said temperature sensor is connected via a twisted pair of wires to at least one of a board onto which the acoustic element is mounted and a housing of said element.
 10. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said sensor is a thermocouple.
 11. A catheter according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of temperature sensors.
 12. A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said transducer is maintained at a distance of at least 1 mm from a wall of said blood vessel so that blood flowing between said transducer and said wall transfers heat away from said acoustic element.
 13. A method for removing excess heat from an acoustic element of a catheter for medical therapy, comprising delivering a liquid to flow over a surface of said acoustic element; and estimating a temperature of said acoustic element by measuring, via a temperature sensor positioned in proximity to said acoustic element, a temperature of said liquid after said liquid flows passed said surface.
 14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising controlling, via circuitry connected to said catheter, at least one of a volume or a flow pattern of said liquid according to temperature feedback obtained by said temperature sensor.
 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein said liquid is one of saline and dye.
 16. A method according to claim 13, wherein said delivering of a liquid comprises at least one of an injection of said liquid, a passive flow of said liquid, an acoustic pressure induced flow, and an actively controlled flow.
 17. A method according to claim 13, wherein said liquid is colder than blood.
 18. An ultrasound transducer for medical therapy comprising; a support board; an element adapted to transmit ultrasound energy, said element electrically connected to said support board; wherein said element is suspended a distance above said board by a material comprising holes, said holes being large enough so that a total surface area of holes facing said element is larger than a total surface area of said material contacting said element, to conduct heat away from said element.
 19. A transducer according to claim 18, wherein said holes are filled with at least one of copper and gold.
 20. A transducer according to claim 19, wherein said filled holes are thermally connected to a thermoelectric cooler operative to conduct heat away from said acoustic element.
 21. A transducer according to claim 18, wherein said transducer is positionable within a blood vessel; said holes providing access for blood flow to contact said acoustic element so that said blood flow transfers heat away from said acoustic element.
 22. A transducer according to claim 21, wherein said transducer is configured at a proximal end of a catheter, said catheter connected to circuitry; said catheter further comprising a temperature sensor positioned in proximity to said acoustic element; said circuitry configured for controlling said blood flow according to a temperature indication provided by said temperature sensor.
 23. A catheter according to claim 22, further comprising a gate positioned in proximity to said acoustic element; said gate activated by said circuitry to control said blood flow over said acoustic element. 